UK Indefinite Leave to Remain - PR

Get Assistance from a UK Immigration Solicitor for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Application

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as Permanent Residence (PR) in the UK, is an immigration status that allows its holder to settle in the UK permanently without time restrictions. It also grants the right to take up employment, study, or engage in any form of business activity without limitations. In addition, holders of ILR can enter and leave the UK at any time. This immigration status is available only to individuals who do not already have the right of abode in the United Kingdom. Indefinite Leave to Remain is a permanent status, but it can lapse if the holder remains outside the United Kingdom for a continuous period of more than two years.

To be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, an applicant must apply from within the UK and demonstrate that they have lived in the UK for the required duration under one of the following eligible UK visa categories:

• Spouse or partner under a marriage visa
• Work Permit holder
• Dependent of a Work Permit holder
• Points-Based System (PBS) Dependant
• Employment not requiring a Work Permit
• Businessperson
• Innovator
• Investor
• Self-employed lawyer
• Writer, composer, or artist
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrant
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Migrant - Accelerated route
• Tier 1 (Investor) Migrant
• Tier 1 (Investor) Migrant - Accelerated route
• Tier 2 Migrant
• UK Ancestry
• Bereaved partner
• Holders of any type of UK visa for 10 years
• Refugees and individuals who have entered the UK under humanitarian protection

Qualifying Period of Stay in the UK

The qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is the continuous period of stay in the UK without any trips abroad within a given year. This is calculated from the date you arrived in the UK or the date your visa was granted. In this context, the qualifying period refers to the duration you have lived in the UK while holding a valid visa. There is an allowable period of absence from the UK during the qualifying period, which is generally 180 days per year. In exceptional cases, you may qualify for ILR regardless of the number of continuous years spent in the UK.

Exemptions for Compelling or Serious Reasons for Absence During the Qualifying Period

• Serious illness (including that of a close family member)
• Birth or death of a close relative
• Conflict
• Natural disaster
• Other compelling reasons

If you are claiming an exemption for absence, you will need to provide supporting evidence, such as:

• Medical records or certificates
• Birth or death certificates
• Documents related to conflict
• Documents regarding the postponement of travel plans due to a natural disaster
• Other strong documentary evidence

Indefinite Leave to Remain - Permanent Residence as a Spouse of a Person Settled in the UK

To apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain as the partner of a person settled in the UK, you will need to use the online SET(M) form. Children under the age of 18 can be added to your application as dependants.

You must have lived in the UK under a spouse or civil partner visa for the past 5 or 10 years, in order to qualify. In addition to this, you will also need to meet several other requirements listed below.

Financial Requirements

You must provide evidence that you meet the financial requirement of £18,600, as was applicable at the time of your initial spouse visa application. The income you earn from the following will be considered when calculating your eligibility:

• Income from your sponsor
• Salary you earn from a job in the UK
• State or private pensions (for you and your sponsor)
• Cash savings exceeding £16,000

If you have further questions or need advice or legal assistance, feel free to Contact Us or reach out by Email Us. Alternatively, you are welcome to book an Appointment or send us an online Legal Query.